b"Jackson sees incremental improvements to barley and30,000OBOtriticale varieties as the key to future success for his retail clientsBuhler Sortex Z+ 3 Chuteand their farmer customers. Optical SorterTargets such as enhanced drought tolerance and yield stability, regardless of weather patterns, are what will bring significant value to producers here.Through strategic partnerships and a focus on targeted breeding, WCI aims to ensure that western Canadian produc-ers remain competitive and resilient in the global marketplace, Olson says.We need industry support to demonstrate to our core funders, such as the Government of Alberta and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), that we are backed by the sector, Olson says. This backing is essential for shaping our business and science plans going forward.During a panel discussion at AgSmart, Alberta Grains Director of Research Jeremy Boychyn said without strong insti-tutions like WCI, which not only test their own varieties butReplaced in working condition in 2021 also partner with other variety testing organizations, organiza- all maintenance preformed by vendor.tions like his cant thoroughly assess the quality of a variety onExcellent unit capable of 350bh an hour, greatthe farm. way to add a sorter to your process without Its an ecosystem that tests these varieties through variousbreaking the bank.trials, requiring the exchange of genetics and asking, Can you test this in your area? This collaboration really necessitatesContact: james@willingdonseed.comappropriate funding for these institutions to conduct theseAWB_Germination-Jan2024.pdf 1 2023-12-13 10:38:02 AMtrials effectively, he said.The process doesnt start and stop with technology; it extends to how these varieties respond in all areas of Western Canada, he noted.We need to ensure theyre utilized to their best potential. Institutions like WCI and other breeding organizations dont work in a vacuum or a silo. Its not the most effective way to spend energy, research dollars, and drive towards our end goals.A Chance to PivotWhen the FCDC rebranded as WCI, it signaled more than just a name changeit marked a strategic pivot toward greaterCagility and collaboration in Western Canadas agriculturalMlandscape, according to WCI Business Development OfficerYErin Collier. CMThe rebranding hasnt dramatically altered our day-to-day MYwork in the field or lab this spring and summer, says Collier. Weve been doing a great job for a long time, and that hasnt CYchanged. But what this shift does bring is more flexibility inCMYpartnering with private organizations and other post-secondary Kinstitutions. Thats where the real excitement lieslooking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.Collier sees the partnerships with Alberta Grains, SeedNet and Alberta Beef as a testament to the confidence these organi-zations have in WCI's mission. It shows that our longstanding collaboration with these groups is being elevated to a new level. Were going to receive even more input from them, which will only enhance our breeding program, she says. This is in addition to the core support we receive from RDAR and the Alberta government. SEPTEMBER 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 19"